Night Breaking News Reporter

USA TODAY/usatoday.comis seeking an ambitious and competitive reporter to join our national breaking news desk.

We’re looking for a curious self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces tight deadlines and values collaboration with editors and reporters at USA TODAY and across our 240-plus local newsrooms.

You’ll need a sharp eye for finding smart angles in big news moments and the ability to quickly assemble the pieces into a concise package. You’ll need to be versatile, too, regularly pivoting from one breaking story to another in the same day and rallying other days to issues-based reporting off the news.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong news judgment, the ability to file accurate, concise, and clean copy on tight deadlines, and to build on breaking news with smart short- and long-term enterprise ideas. Experience with public-records requests and tracking down court records and other documents is a plus.

You should demonstrate a strong understanding of audience metrics and engagement tactics. The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team of reporters across is a must.

This role will include night and weekend work.

This position is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii or based at our headquarters in McLean, VA. If you live near one of our local newsrooms, you may have the option to use that as a base of operations.

Job Level: Reporter II

Minimum salary: $62,000

Responsibilities:

Create content that quickly and accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences.
Provide thoughtful, in-depth reporting of complex issues.
Work with editors to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years of reporting experience.
Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
Ability to think and act tactically and strategically.
Proficiency in AP style and grammar.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Comfortable using social media to report and promote stories.
Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
Experience generating quick-turn news stories and thoughtful enterprise.
Excellent news judgment.
Familiarity with SEO best practices.
Top-notch writing and reporting skills.
Ability to work not only independently but also as a key contributor to team/network projects.
Strong understanding of audience analytics and how to use them to drive content decisions.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.